NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- State Sen. Ophelia Ford is refusing help from her family despite some of them saying she has a drinking problem.

Meanwhile, Ford has filed a suit against the state Senate that could cost taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars.

Even though Ford is the senator from District 29, she is still suing the state senate over a disputed special election that occurred 13 months ago. Election officials later found that dead voters cast ballots in the election.

Ford attorney David Cocke said a status hearing next month will determine how to go forward with this litigation.

"The lawsuit continues based on principle. It has in many respects nothing to do with Ophelia Ford as an individual, just her office and the election," said Cocke.

When her brother, John Ford, resigned from office after facing corruption charges, a special election in the fall of 2005 showed Ophelia Ford won the office by 13 votes.

But an investigation uncovered 12 improper ballots that had dead people casting votes for her.

The Republican-led senate nullified the election and voted to remove her from the position. She sued 13 months ago and was back in office because she won another election.

Ophelia Ford is now asking the state of Tennessee to pay for upcoming litigation, but it will be up to a judge to decide if this happens.

Ford's attorney said his client's health may be a factor in whether or not to follow through with this case.